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Is Santa in EPCOT?

Disney World has announced that guests will be able to meet Santa Claus again this year at The Odyssey in EPCOT during the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. Here are the details: Santa Claus himself will visit with guests at the Odyssey pavilion from Nov. 24 through Dec.



Yes, Santa Claus is a central figure at EPCOT during the International Festival of the Holidays, which typically runs from late November through December 30. In the 2025 and early 2026 holiday seasons, Santa can be found at The Odyssey Pavilion, located between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion, where he appears in a beautifully themed indoor greeting area. Unlike other parks where Santa may only appear in a parade, EPCOT’s version is unique because it celebrates "Holidays Around the World." Throughout the World Showcase, various "Holiday Storytellers" represent different legends, such as Barnaby DaCosta in the UK or La Befana in Italy. Santa himself is also featured in the "Candlelight Processional" and occasionally makes appearances as part of the "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" if you are visiting during peak December weeks. Because EPCOT's Santa is located indoors at The Odyssey, it is a popular choice for families looking for a high-quality photo op in a climate-controlled environment away from the Florida sun.

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Journey of Water is a new attraction — the first ever inspired by Moana — which officially opened in EPCOT's World Nature on October 16th, 2023! The attraction is a walkthrough trail where guests can “play with magical, living water” in an immersive way.

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Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is scheduled to open October 16, 2023 within World Nature—the EPCOT neighborhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty and balance of the natural world.

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Since the Magic Kingdom is the most popular park at Walt Disney World, it's often the most crowded and is almost guaranteed to be at max capacity on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In addition, the most atmospheric part of the park – being Main Street, U.S.A. – will also be one of the most crowded spaces in the park.

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Yes, Definitely! Many of our readers can't resist the siren call of holiday music, decorations, and events this time of year. One reader said visiting during the holidays is “most definitely a must during the Christmas decoration season.

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Single-day, single-park Disney World ticket prices vary by park starting on Dec. 8, 2022: Magic Kingdom tickets cost between $124 and $189. EPCOT tickets cost between $114 and $179.

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EPCOT is now unified with four neighborhoods — World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery — and each speaks to important aspects of the world and its people.

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EPCOT tickets: $114 to $179. Disney's Hollywood Studios tickets: $124 to $179. Disney's Animal Kingdom tickets: $109 to $159.

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With that said, our actual advice is visiting Epcot on a weekday. Mondays through Wednesdays are all equally good. We've noticed a slight uptick in crowds on Thursdays, and a more significant one on Fridays. Still, not nearly as bad as Saturday or Sunday.

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